Politics A Level

Qualification: GCE A Level in Politics
Exam Board & Specification Code: Pearson; 9PL0; Specification
Course Entry Requirements: 4 in English Language GCSE
Please make sure that you have understood the overall entry requirements to study at BHASVIC. These are available here and outline the GCSE grades you need to take up one of the Study Programmes at the college.
Length and size of qualification: 2 year single course
Timetable hours: 4.5 hours per week
Assessment method: 3 x 2 hour exams
BHASVIC Department: Philosophy, Politics and Law

What will I study?

Politics is a brilliant course for anyone with an interest what the world is like, how it works, and what it should be like. We have excellent relationships with local and national politicians, and frequently have prominent speakers in to discuss and debate their experience of politics as part of the course.

The first year of politics is focused on the issues facing Britain today.  Put simply, this can be expressed through one broad question: how healthy is our democracy?  We explore whether the public have become disillusioned with politics; whether our rights are under threat; and what can be done to improve democracy.  The last election led to demands for a change to our election system.  Why?  We investigate these arguments and try to determine the reasons why elections are won or lost.  Politics is also about power, who has it, and the limits placed on them.  We also study political ideologies. These big ideas – ‘Conservatism’, ‘Socialism’, ‘Liberalism’ and ‘Feminism’ - offer contrasting visions of how to order the world. By digging into works by thinkers such as Marx or Hobbes, we are able to understand where we stand on the political spectrum. In Politics we face controversial and provocative topics; we debate and argue, but we do it objectively and respectfully.  As the Greek philosopher Plato once wrote, “by refusing to participate in politics, you must accept being governed by your inferiors”.

We are also fortunate to be one of the only colleges in South East England whose size and expertise gives you a choice between studying the US political system or Global Politics in the second year of the course.

Global politics is an in-depth look at the state of the modern world: why countries go to war, how human rights are (or are not!) protected and whether there can be global agreement and progress on major issues like climate change. We debate whether the UN should be reformed, whether states have a duty to protect the citizens of other countries – at the point of a gun, if needed – and whether the world geopolitical system forces nations into conflict and violence, or if world peace is possible. As a result, an interest in current affairs and a willingness to discuss the major events of the day (Israel/Palestine, Ukraine/Russia etc) is helpful. If you are interested in the world, and curious about why countries behave the way they do and what can be done to change how they act, this will be the perfect course.

US Politics explores how the American political system works. We explore how healthy American democracy is and why money plays such a huge role in US politics. We ask why there are such differences, in terms of abortion rights, the death penalty and drugs laws, between the 50 states. We investigate why it has been so hard to change the US constitution, specifically looking at the right to bear arms. We compare the US political system with the UK’s, exploring if the President truly has more power within their political system than the UK Prime Minister.

Is this course right for me?

If you have a curiosity about why the UK and wider world is like it is, Politics is a smart choice. If you enjoy debating big questions, or listening to debates, then the subject offers lots of chances for discussion. It is important that you are keen to follow developments in the news, whether on TV, in a newspaper or on your phone, because Politics is constantly changing, and our course has to keep up to date with developments. Politics is assessed through essays, so you need to be prepared to work to develop your written style so you can argue convincingly. Politics links with a very wide range of subjects.

Where next?

Everything is political.  Politics students are equipped to work in almost any industry or business, in the public or private sector, and anywhere in the world.  This subject develops a range of analytical skills which are rated highly in many professions.   To provide a full list here is not possible, but there are well-established links to the Civil Service, the organisation which works within government departments to deliver policy.  Every bank and financial institution, including large businesses, employ political analysts to report and advise about issues affecting their operations.  Other popular sectors include, journalism, law and legal services, the diplomatic core, international organisations such as the United Nations, and non-governmental organisations such as Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch.   At university, Politics is a versatile degree which can either be studied alone or as Joint Honours alongside other subjects.  Popular Joint Honours include Economics, History, International Relations, Philosophy, Human and Social science, and any language. Useful websites might include Targetjobs, Prospects and All About Careers.

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